Historic Scotland

"Historic Scotland was created as an agency in 1991 and was attached to the Scottish Executive Education Department, which embraces all aspects of the cultural heritage, in May 1999. As part of the Scottish Executive Historic Scotland is directly accountable to Scottish Ministers for safeguarding the nation's built heritage, and promoting its understanding and enjoyment."

It has direct responsibility for maintaining and running over 200 monuments.

As an arm of government, Historic Scotland has similar functions to its counterparts in other parts of the United Kingdom: